How to Apostille a Illinois Corporate documents (2026 Guide)
To apostille a Illinois corporate documents, obtain state-certified copies from the Secretary of State's business division, or have company documents notarized. Then submit it to the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department for $2 per document. Mail processing takes about 5–10 business days; same-day counter available. For a non-Hague destination, you also need US Department of State authentication and embassy legalization.
| Government fee | $2 per document |
|---|---|
| Where to send it | Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department |
| Required copy | Obtain state-certified copies from the Secretary of State's business division, or have company documents notarized. |
| Mail time | 5–10 business days |
| Counter | same-day counter available |
| County pre-cert | Not required for this document |
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Step 1 — Get the right copy
Obtain state-certified copies from the Secretary of State's business division, or have company documents notarized. In Illinois, illinois birth and death certificates come from the Illinois Department of Public Health or the county clerk.
Step 2 — Submit to the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department
Include a signed cover sheet naming the destination country, payment payable to the authority above, and a prepaid return envelope. Confirm exact requirements on the official page linked in sources. Pay $2 per document by check or money order. Counter service in Springfield and Chicago.
Step 3 — Check the destination country
If your document is going to a Hague Apostille Convention member, the apostille is the last step. If the destination is not a member, you continue to the U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications for authentication and then to that country's embassy for legalization. Confirm with theCountry Checker.
Common rejection reasons
- A plain company printout is not a state-certified copy
- Notarized board resolutions skip required county pre-certification
Who typically needs this
Opening a foreign subsidiary or bank account.
Bidding on international tenders.
Registering trademarks or contracts abroad.
Frequently asked questions
＋How much does it cost to apostille a corporate documents in Illinois?
The Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department charges $2 per document. You pay separately for the certified copy and your return envelope.
＋Can I apostille a photocopy of my corporate documents?
No. Illinois apostilles the certified or properly notarized document, not a plain photocopy. A plain company printout is not a state-certified copy
＋How long does it take?
Mail processing in Illinois runs about 5–10 business days. A counter option (same-day counter available) can be faster. A non-Hague destination adds the federal and embassy steps on top.
＋Who usually needs a corporate documents apostille?
People who opening a foreign subsidiary or bank account or need it for bidding on international tenders. The apostille lets a foreign authority accept your Illinois corporate documents.
Other Illinois documents
Sources
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor
Last verified: July 13, 2026 against the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department and the HCCH status table(official page). See how we verify and how often on ourmethodology page.
This is informational, not legal advice. The receiving authority sets the final requirements — confirm with them and the office named above before you send anything.